The further we get away from the Matt Duffy trade, the more the Giants are starting to look like the winners of the deal.
Left-handed starting pitcher Matt Moore has been phenomenal since being acquired last August from Tampa Bay. Carrying the expectations of the home opener, Moore tossed 8 flawless innings, allowing one run, three hits, while striking out five. He’s solidified himself as the third starting pitcher in one of the most imposing rotations in baseball.
Duane Kuiper joined Murph and Mac Tuesday morning to give his take on what Moore has meant to San Francisco since his arrival.
“Nobody wanted to see Matt Duffy go out the door, and I know he’s still dinged up a little bit, but when you get a quality arm like Matt Moore, and you get a quality person like Matt Moore, and he’s young, and you’ve got him for awhile,” Kuiper said. “You’ve got to really, really tip your cap to Bobby Evans and Brian (Sabean) for pulling that one off.”
In 21 games with Tampa Bay last season, Duffy hit .276/,300/.355 with 1 home run and 7 RBI. A left heel injury forced surgery last season, though, and Duffy still hasn’t returned to the field. The Rays moved Duffy’s position at shortstop and expect him to return at the end of April.
Eduardo Nunez took Duffy’s spot at third base and has added a jolt of speed to the lineup, starting the season with four stolen bases and a .323 average. Connor Gillaspie stepped up in the position last postseason and made several clutch hits. He’s appeared solely as a pinch hitter to start 2017.
The Giants have Moore signed through the 2019 season. He’ll make $7 million this year.